Every August 15, Panama City commemorates the anniversary of its founding in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Davila, making it the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. The celebration honors five centuries of history that began at the site now known as Panama Viejo, the original city later sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.
The anniversary is marked with cultural events, concerts, exhibitions and activities at the Panama Viejo archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, and in the historic Casco Antiguo where the city was rebuilt. Visitors can explore the evocative ruins of the old cathedral tower, convents and plazas while enjoying folkloric performances and programs that celebrate the capital's rich and layered heritage.
Founding Day is an ideal occasion to delve into the history of Panama City, from its colonial origins as a hub of transoceanic trade to its role as a modern cosmopolitan capital. It connects residents and visitors alike with the deep roots of one of the most historically significant cities in the Americas.
